twinklydave » There's nothing to stop any of them going back to ride the area(s) again at any speed they like, at any other time
...or to stop them going up there lots of times before to get an idea of what it's like

I know. And many of them have/will. It still "bothers" me in an illogical way I can't quite put into words.

I *think* that was Mark Twain or Churchill? Most quotes are Churchill or Shakespeare. Honestly, I'd love to take a week off and ride this loop based on the photos and location, but have no desire to rag myself doing it.

Did a similar ride many years ago, but encompassed a few of the Isles and took my time (two months!). Bit harder with a family...

Ha, I think I did half that route in reverse on my way to Cape Wrath, I certainly think they've got (most of) it the right way round at least. Would love to give that a shot, would be glad to manage it in 7 days right enough...

I'm in. Really looking forward to it, with no small amount of trepidation. I'm expecting to be out for three days at the very, very least. That's a lot of steady riding, with a lot of time to soak in the views. I'll be using up leave to do the ride... I fully intend on enjoying the stunning location!

It's part of what attracts me to this kind of challenge... Testing myself physically and mentally in a wild, beautiful place. I like the total immersion in the situation.

4 days for me. The Cairngorm 200 last year was a stunning ride so I expect to be blown away by this one.Cairngorm Blog
All the comments and pics get the adrenalin flowing. Excited to meet the fellow competitors and feeding off the experience.

I am interested in this "Highland Trail 400", but I do have reservations about racing round it.

Think I prefer taking my time, enjoying sitting looking at the scenery whenever I want, taking a route at a whim, popping into a local pub / eatery, and generally going at exactly my own pace - no faster, no slower.

Also not trained up enough at all to even remotely race it And I like my kip. And long showers.

The golf quote is not attributable. Not Twain or Churchill. A good version is "Too much walking for a good game, just enough game to spoil a good walk".

I really do wish everyone taking part the best of times. I've ridden much of the route and of course there will be time to take some of it in. Still bothers me though

FWIW, it's also the one thing I have against The Adventure Show on BBC Scotland. Cameron McNeish gets to go off for a nice walk in the hills but any cycle coverage has to be some sort of competitive event (and don't give me that "Audax isn't racing" line). It's like there no adventure to be had on a bike unless it's against the clock.

...FWIW, it's also the one thing I have against The Adventure Show on BBC Scotland. Cameron McNeish gets to go off for a nice walk in the hills but any cycle coverage has to be some sort of competitive event (and don't give me that "Audax isn't racing" line). It's like there no adventure to be had on a bike unless it's against the clock.

peterfile - Member
...Never understood the fascination with the Highlands, it's like geographical fanboyism.

Wonder if it would be possible to join together 400 miles of trail centre routes? At least then the riding would be interesting.

That's genius.

And stops our natural trails getting skid marks all over them.

Racing through the Highlands is a bit like guzzling fine whisky. You end up sore, sick, with a vague memory of having had a good time but you can't remember it for sure, and did you really shag that sheep.